Provide reimbursements to school districts and educational service units for mental health expenditures
Impact
Should LB527 be enacted, it would have a significant impact on state laws regarding education funding and mental health services. This legislation aims to create a framework wherein schools can receive financial assistance specifically earmarked for mental health initiatives. By providing such reimbursements, the state may encourage educational institutions to prioritize mental health resources, potentially leading to improved student well-being and academic performance.
Summary
LB527 proposes to provide reimbursements to school districts and educational service units for their expenditures related to mental health support services. The goal of the bill is to alleviate the financial burden on educational institutions while enhancing the mental health resources available to students. By facilitating access to funding for mental health services, the bill underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues within the educational setting, which is increasingly recognized as crucial for student success.
Contention
While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards supporting mental health in schools, there may be contention regarding the source of funding for these reimbursements. Discussions may arise concerning budgetary constraints and priorities, particularly in a climate of limited state resources. Advocates for mental health services may push for robust funding mechanisms to ensure sustainability, while opponents might raise concerns about reallocating funds from other critical areas in education.
Change provisions relating to reimbursement for special education programs and support services and require school districts to provide special education staff with professional leave
Provide and change powers and duties for the State Department of Education, Commissioner of Education, State Board of Education, and the state school security director, provide grants to school districts for security-related infrastructure projects, and provide grants to educational service units and local public health departments to hire school psychologists and licensed mental health practitioners as prescribed
Provide funding to school districts to cover extraordinary increases in limited English proficiency student expenditures, change provisions relating to the elementary site allowance and certification dates under the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act and reimbursement for special education programs and support services, and change eligible uses of the Education Future Fund
Adopt the Pet Insurance Act, require use of National Provider Identifiers by health care providers, and change insurance reimbursement provisions for telehealth services